Predictor variables for parental depression, stress and quality of life of parents with children on the Autism Spectrum
Autism appears to be one of the disorders that can affect the psycho-social welfare of parents (Gray & Holden, 1992). The impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorders are severe because they affect all developmental areas and maintain over time (DSM-IV-TR, 2000), which often entails parents coping w...
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| Format: | Dissertation |
| Language: | English |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
01-01-2009
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| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Autism appears to be one of the disorders that can affect the psycho-social welfare of parents (Gray & Holden, 1992). The impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorders are severe because they affect all developmental areas and maintain over time (DSM-IV-TR, 2000), which often entails parents coping with the diagnosis throughout their entire life. Several factors may contribute to the elevated stress levels that parents of children with disabilities experience, which include such child characteristics as challenging behaviors (Lessenberry & Rehfeldt, 2004); (Hastings & Brown, 2002); (Hastings et al., 2005); (Konstantareas & Homatidis, 1989); (Dumas, Wolf, Fisman, & Culligan, 1991), reduced intellectual functioning, physical limitations, deficits in self-care, and limited social skills (Lessenberry & Rehfeldt, 2004). The purpose of the present study was to identify predictor variables that may be affecting parental stress, depression, and quality of life in parents with children on the Autism Spectrum. A web-based survey was used to collect data from 240 parents with children on the Autism Spectrum. The survey included several demographic questions that measured parent, child, and social characteristics, as well as assessment instruments specific to parental stress, depression, coping styles, and quality of life. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictor variables for parental stress, depression, and satisfaction with life. Low perceived social support appears to be a predictor variable for parental depression and satisfaction with life, whereas low perceived social support and perceived mental health support appears to be predictors for parental stress. Overall married parents appear to be less depressed and more satisfied with life than parents who are unmarried. Gender differences in parental stress and depression was not supported in the current study; however, there were gender differences in parental satisfaction with life and coping styles. Finally child behavior problems were not correlated with parent stress and depression. Suggestions for future research are provided, as well as a discussion of limitations and clinical implications of the present study. |
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| ISBN: | 9781109720808 1109720807 |